Taylor ready for Leeds debut

James Taylor moved from Division two team Leicestershire to Division 1 team, Nottinghamshire in the hope of impressing the selectors and gaining a berth in the national team. The move has bore fruits now as the diminutive batsman is expected to make his Test debut against South Africa at the Headingley Carnegie on Thursday.

Taylor has been at ease in his new home and asserted his potential with a superb 163 against Sussex last week.

Headingley traditionally supports the fast bowlers and South Africa have some of the best in the world in the form of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. Taylor is unfazed by the prospect of facing a tough attack on his debut.

"Playing at Headingley would be a very proud moment for me, but nothing has happened yet. I'm just one step closer and waiting for the nod and the opportunity to help England to get back into the series.

"Facing South Africa's bowling attack is always going to be a tough challenge, but it's something that I would relish because getting an England Test call has been my aim from the word go."

Taylor, who has played very little international cricket with only one ODI cap against Ireland believes that he is ready for the hard vigil of the five day game.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle, but there was a noticeable step up to Division One of the championship and wickets haven't been easy to bat on this season," he said.

"I've always backed myself to play at the highest level and, even though I'm young, I've played a lot of cricket and I've got a lot of runs behind me.

"The next goal is to get a place in the XI and, if I get that opportunity, I have to take it with both hands. If I get in the team then I have to work hard to get runs and then work harder again to do that consistently.

"I've always tried to keep my feet on the ground and strive to become a better player and that will always be my mantra."

Taylor was preferred ahead of Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow in the pecking order. "I hoped that I would be next in line but I never took anything for granted, although I have scored consistent runs in all forms of the game to earn this chance," Taylor said.